Reflecting on Happiness

We talked about happiness in your relationship a while back. Some people have found genuine happiness with the person they share their one and only life with. Others have figured out how to not be so unhappy, and trick themselves into being happy. (I call that the Dr. Dobson happiness)

I was sitting here thinking that in order for other areas of our lives to be happy and fulfilling shouldn't it start within our own heart? Don't we believe that our attitude and our outward expressions affect those around us? If we are positive and happy it's easier for those around us to be happy as well. If we encourage that idea that the glass is not only half full but that it is getting fuller every day then everyone around us will be encouraged to adopt that view on life.

People will mirror what they see in us. We can be a positive roll model. We can be a thermostat that sets the temperature in other peoples lives.

Here are some interesting quotes about happiness that may change how we look at life.

It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful but what you have in your heart.

Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.

Be thankful for what you have, not regretful for what you haven't.

If you have nothing to be thankful for then make up your mind that something is wrong with you.

He who is not grateful for the good things he has will not be happy for what he wishes he had.

Take a minute and brainstorm your view on life. Do you find that you are generally unhappy with life and have no good reason to be? Is life actually a lot better than you give it credit? Is there a reason you feel the way you do? Is your partner generally positive or negative? Do they find reasons to be happy or unhappy? I know from experience that when your partner is negative it is very hard to remain positive and upbeat. It wears on you.

I once read the difference between success and failure is the immediate outlook on a situation. A successful person says "I want to go to London for vacation and here is how I can do it..." The other person says "I cant go because there are all these reasons"

What do you want for your relationship? Do you approach it with a positive attitude reaching for success? Or something else?

HEARTWORK: Make a list of things you can do to improve your relationship. Make a list of things you want your partner to do to make the relationship better. Have your partner do it too. Exchange lists. And here is a new idea...TALK.

And of course, share your ideas with us. Brainstorminglife@yahoo.com